I have been using black art magic to build illusions for magicians for almost 15 years now. If you have no idea what black art is, its simple, vanishing and appearing anything instantly. Magicians use Don Drake to consult with when a special trick is needed. You can see his video at http://www.youtube.com/user/DONDRAKE123
He has a few books under his belt and is the best at close up black art. As for myself, I have experience with large scale illusions like vanishing air craft, appearing motor cycles, and large animal (tiger) cages.
The following video shows a magician using black art magic.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNNF9NjTk34

How could you use these effects in your haunt?

Many of you already are and might not know it. Those of you who would like to vanish people/actors and make them re-appear need to start using it.

How?

Basic black art is simple. A black fabric ( velvet), placed on a wall. Anything black (also in velvet) will not be seen, and in an already dimmed haunted house, cannot be seen up close. This is the secret in a nut shell. Now, you can use it by making your body part vanish (like in the video) or hide large objects like machines.

For me, I am building several projects using black art for the 2011 season. These would include a snake cage, an animal cage, a circus wagon and I think there will be more. For each of these guests will walk up to what looks like an empty cage, but then the fabric will fall revealing actors in costumes.

There is a rumor that black art is best using a black light, but if you position your lights correctly there is no need for them.

I will post pictures of theses illusions as they are made.

Thanks for reading and if anyone needs illusions or black art either check out the auctions at http://www.magicauction.com or I will be happy to do what I can for you.